Correlation between Optical Properties and Nanomorphology of Fluoranthene-Based Conjugated Copolymer

Abstract

Nanoparticles of conjugated polymers are receiving attention due to their interesting optical properties. Here we report nanoparticles of fluoranthene-based conjugated copolymer prepared by the Suzuki coupling reaction. The copolymer forms nanoparticles by the spontaneous self-assembly after evaporation of organic solvent. The mean diameter of the nanoparticles can be manipulated by varying solvent composition. We investigated the parameters that govern the nanostructured morphology of polymer by systematic variation of good and poor solvent. The UV–vis and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy measurement reveal the use of poor solvent in the organization of nanostructures. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy highlights the importance of rigidity of the polymer backbone in morphological development.